Christopher Bermejo
The news of Vanessa Guillén’s death sparked artist Juan Velázquez to action.
He didn’t know Guillén personally, but as a soldier himself and father of a daughter, Velázquez was particularly moved by the U.S. Army specialist’s death and experience with sexual harassment.
“Fighting for one person that was a victim of sexual harassment is like fighting for all of them,” he says. “If I can help make the world a better place for my daughter, then I want to do that.”
To show solidarity with Guillén’s family, Velázquez decided to paint a mural, inviting the public to join him at 3604 Hemphill St. to help create the painting.
“If I can paint something that maybe makes them feel like they’re not alone, then maybe it helps them go through what they’re going through,” he says.
The event brought together artists and community members alike, and they spent the hot July day covering a wall with a portrait of Guillén dressed in her military uniform, set against a background of colorful flowers.
Juan Velázquez
The public’s interest in the project led Velázquez to organize another opportunity to paint a second mural at 1117 Belknap St. Copying a photo of Guillén, he and the volunteers painted her smiling face framed by petals, surrounded by sunflowers and roses — some of her favorites.
Velázquez says he hopes these murals will foster a sense of community among those who see them, especially during a time when people are feeling isolated. He also wants his art to raise awareness of sexual harassment and help tell Guillén’s story.
What he doesn’t want — for this project and for other works he’s done — is to incite hate or violence.
“It’s a tool that we can use for good, and hopefully, I continue to do that,” he says.
